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1) |
How old do I have to be to donate my eggs?
We require our egg donors to be between the ages of 21 to 34 years of age, though exceptions are
occasionally made for women between ages 18 to 21 and 34 to 35.
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| 2) |
What side effects will I experience (if any) from taking fertility medication?
Most egg donors go through the process with no side effects; however, some may feel bloating, weight
gain, pelvic discomfort or moodiness.
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| 3) |
How will egg donation affect my personal lifestyle?
Once on fertility drugs, you need to ensure that you have protected sexual intercourse for that month
as well as the month following egg donation. From start to finish, you will generally have 10-12 doctor
visits; the majority of these visits occur during the two weeks prior to egg retrieval. As these visits
take place early in the morning, it is recommended that you live near a CHR location.
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| 4) |
Will I be more or less fertile after egg donation?
You will be more fertile in the month following egg donation. After one month, you will return to your
normal fertility status.
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| 5) |
How does egg donation affect my fertility in the future?
Egg donation does not appear to have any long-term effects on your fertility.
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| 6) |
What are some of the medical risks or other medical complications that may occur if I donate my eggs?
Egg retrieval is always performed under ultrasound guidance.
However, there is always a risk that a needle may puncture
surrounding tissue or organs causing injury, bleeding and/or
infection. There is also a small risk (less than 5%) of ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome. During ovarian hyperstimulation,
the ovaries become enlarged and fluid may collect in the abdominal
cavity causing bloating; a weight gain of 5-10 pounds and
severe pelvic pain may occur. Hospitalization may be required
if ovarian hyperstimulation progresses to a severe state.
In addition, certain studies have suggested that some ovulation
drugs are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer;
research in this area is ongoing, however, and more recent
data refutes such a risk.
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| 7) |
How much will I get paid for my time and services?
Our current compensation for your time, commitment and services is $8,000 at
our CHR-New York program for a completed
cycle (i.e. retrieval of eggs). If your cycle is canceled due to no fault of
your own, compensation is $1,000.
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| 8) |
How long does the egg donation process take?
The egg donation process from treatment start to retrieval takes approximately one month. The egg retrieval
itself takes minutes.
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| 9) |
Will the couple who receives my eggs ever find out who I am?
If you sign up for the anonymous egg donation process, the couple will not find out who you are. They will
know characteristics about you, but not your name or any other information that could lead to your
identification.
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| 10) |
What is involved with taking infertility medication?
The medications you will need to take are injectables. You will be required to give yourself injections one
time per day for the first two weeks of the egg donation process and two times per day for the second two weeks.
CHR nurses will teach you how to self-inject safely and are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions.
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| 11) |
Will I be put under general anesthesia for egg retrieval?
We use intravenous (IV) sedation, which is administered by a nurse anesthesiologist. Occasionally, you may experience
the following short-term side effects: nausea, vomiting, sleepiness. Therefore, we instruct you to rest for
24 hours after egg donation. You are also required to be picked up by somebody after the egg donation and
mustn't drive for 24 hours.
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| 12) |
How many eggs does the average donor produce?
Egg production depends on the individual and how they respond to the medication; the number of eggs produced
by a donor can be as low as five and as high as 35 or more.
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| 13) |
Will I experience a lot of pain or bleeding after egg retrieval?
No. You may experience some discomfort similar to menstrual cramps which may include the following: bloating,
spotting, abdominal cramping.
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| 14) |
How long will I have to be away from work or school after the egg retrieval?
We recommend modified bed rest at home for 24 hours after egg donation.
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| 15) |
How long will it take for my body to return to normal after egg retrieval?
You should anticipate a menstrual period within 10 days after you donate. Following the next menstrual cycle,
your body should be back to normal.
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| 16) |
How often can I donate?
We allow up to four donations, each at least three months apart.
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If you have any additional questions, Ask a Question About Egg Donation.
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